The purpose of this study is to gain consensus from a panel of experts regarding useful health financing approaches and good alternative sources of healthcare financing in Syria. The 15 study participants were experts and knowledgeable about the healthcare financing in Syria. The following overarching question was addressed: What is the consensus on useful financing approaches, and what are good alternative sources to the funding of healthcare in Syria? In a four-round classic Delphi study, panel members reached a consensus on 22 emerging themes to address challenges identified in healthcare financing in Syria. At the strategic level, enhancing cooperation with international organisations, partnership with academia and private sector and decentralisation of decision-making were key findings. The study experts also agreed on several recommendations for systemic change. These included the need to digitalise, introduce technical and formal training programmes to healthcare leaders and support innovation. The results of this study yielded two sets of recommendations to healthcare leaders in Syria. The findings of this study present opportunities for health managers and policymakers in Syria, the Middle East and possibly other developing countries to collaborate towards addressing health financing issues.
Amer Melhem (Wed,) studied this question.